Uber, Ola temporarily suspend surge pricing in Delhi

On the fourth day of odd-even scheme, passengers faced difficulties in booking cabs as the platform showed fares to be as high as 5 times than the normal fare.ETAuto | Updated: April 18, 2016, 20:18 IST

NEW DELHI: Taxi aggregator Uber and Ola have temporarily suspended surge pricing in Delhi-NCR region, following wide criticism for the manifold increase in fares.

On the fourth day of odd-even scheme run by Delhi government, passengers faced difficulties in booking cabs as the platform showed fares to be as high as 5 times than the normal fare.

The US-based firm said it "regularly does surge pricing when demand outstrips supply".

"However, given the threat of the Delhi government to cancel permits and impound vehicles of our driver partners, we are temporarily suspending surge in Delhi with immediate effect. We hope to work with the government to keep Delhi moving, especially during this time when the citizens need us the most," Uber India General Manager North Gagan Bhatia said.

“To make Govt’s Odd Even initiative a success, Ola has temporarily pulled out Peak Pricing in Delhi NCR," said Deep Singh, Business Head, Ola - North. "We have also rolled out an on-ground campaign where volunteers are spreading the message of ride-sharing and car-pooling in support of the scheme."

The company said higher prices are required in order to get cars on the road and keep them on the road during the busiest times.